Steam generator comprising steam outlet structure

Abstract

The invention relates to a steam generator (100) comprising a heated steam treatment surface (102) for evaporating water to generate steam; a front wall portion (104); a rear wall portion (106) facing the front wall portion, with the heated steam treatment surface extending between the front wall portion and the rear wall portion. The steam generator also includes a pair of side wall portions (108, 110) facing each other with the heated steam treatment surface extending laterally between the pair of side wall portions. The cover is spaced apart from the heated steam treatment surface. The cover, the front wall portion, the rear wall portion, and the pair of side wall portions define a closed vapor chamber. The steam outlet structure (116) includes a steam channel protruding into the steam chamber from the front wall portion and arranged for allowing steam to exit the steam chamber. The steam outlet structure includes a fluid barrier portion (120) disposed at an end of the steam channel. At least one opening (122A, 122B, 122C) is provided for allowing steam in the steam chamber to enter the steam passage. The at least one opening is disposed along the vapor outlet structure between the fluid barrier portion and the front wall portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a steam generator having a steam chamber and a steam outlet structure that protrudes into the steam chamber and is arranged to allow steam to leave the steam chamber.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a garment steam treatment apparatus including such a steam generator.

[0003] The present invention can be used in the field of garment care. Background Art

[0004] Steam generators can be used for various household purposes. In particular, the steam generated by such steam generators can be conveniently used to treat and refurbish fabrics or garments.

[0005] It is desirable for such steam generators to deliver steam at a relatively high steam rate, as this can allow, for example, the user to complete the refurbishment or treatment of the fabric / garment more quickly. However, a higher steam flow rate increases the risk of accidental release of unevaporated water from the steam generator. In the case of a garment steam treatment apparatus, "splashing" of the unevaporated water can cause undesirable marks or contamination on the fabric / garment.

[0006] This "splashing" problem is particularly problematic when the steam generator is included in a hand unit that can be moved by the user over the garment being treated. This is because mounting the steam generator in such a hand unit requires the steam generator to be relatively compact, and as the size of the steam generator decreases, the risk of releasing unevaporated water generally increases.

[0007] Various types of steam generators are known. Some steam generators have a labyrinth design in which the fluid needs to flow along a curved fluid path defined in the steam chamber of the steam generator. Such a labyrinth design can benefit from being relatively robust with respect to changes in the orientation of the steam generator during use. However, one of the biggest drawbacks of the labyrinth design is that if the water is not converted to steam when it reaches the end of the defined fluid (unevaporated water and steam) path, the unevaporated water will be discharged from the steam generator. Thus, the user will experience hot water being released from the steam generator along with the steam.

[0008] Another type of non-maze steam generator has a heated steam treatment surface. In this case, the water fed into the steam generator in a quantified manner is spread over the heated steam treatment surface to generate steam, and the steam enters a steam passage defined in a steam outlet structure such as a chimney. The steam can be transported along the steam passage and discharged via one or more steam nozzles provided in a treatment plate / steam plate. This type of steam generator may not have a defined fluid flow path: the water moves freely in an open steam chamber to be evaporated. The robustness of this design in handling the excess water fed into the steam generator can provide an advantage over the maze design.

[0009] However, during evaporation, the unevaporated water droplets will jump onto the heated steam treatment surface, and some of the water droplets follow the steam flow and enter the steam passage defined in the steam outlet structure (such as a chimney). This will ultimately cause the unevaporated water to leave the steam generator.

[0010] EP3259394B1 discloses a handheld garment steam iron, which includes a steam generation chamber having a surface and a heater that heats the surface such that the water supplied onto the surface is converted into steam. The handheld garment steam iron further includes a scale collection chamber having an opening. The surface and the opening are positioned and configured relative to each other such that when the garment steam iron is in a first orientation where the surface extends downward away from the opening, the water supplied onto the surface flows away from the opening to evaporate from the surface. When the garment steam iron is in a second orientation where the surface extends downward toward the opening, the scale removed from the surface falls into the scale collection chamber through the opening. The scale collection chamber is located below the steam generation chamber in both the first orientation and the second orientation. The present application also relates to a garment steam treatment system including the handheld garment steam iron.

[0011] EP3467188B1 discloses a steam treatment head, which includes a steam distribution circuit having an inlet for connection to a steam conduit; and a front wall provided with a treatment surface that includes at least one steam outlet hole and is for facing a garment to be straightened. The steam distribution circuit has an inner chamber that includes a first diffusion chamber formed between the front wall and a partition wall extending inside the inner chamber, and a second diffusion chamber communicating with the first diffusion chamber and partially defined by the partition wall. The inner chamber has a steam discharge passage passing through the first diffusion chamber and protruding from the inner surface of the end wall, and the steam discharge passage of the steam leads to the second diffusion chamber. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The object of the present invention is to provide a steam generator that avoids or alleviates one or more of the above problems.

[0013] The present invention is defined by the independent claims. The dependent claims define advantageous embodiments.

[0014] To this end, a steam generator according to the present invention comprises:

[0015] a heated steam treatment surface for evaporating water to generate steam,

[0016] a front wall portion,

[0017] a rear wall portion facing the front wall portion, the heated steam treatment surface extending between the front wall portion and the rear wall portion,

[0018] a pair of side wall portions facing each other, the heated steam treatment surface extending transversely between the pair of side wall portions,

[0019] a lid spaced apart from the heated steam treatment surface,

[0020] the lid, the front wall portion, the rear wall portion and the pair of side wall portions defining an enclosed steam chamber,

[0021] a steam outlet structure including a steam passage protruding from the front wall portion into the steam chamber and arranged to allow steam to leave the steam chamber, the steam outlet structure including a fluid barrier portion arranged at an end of the steam passage, and

[0022] at least one opening for allowing steam in the steam chamber to enter the steam passage, the at least one opening being arranged along the steam outlet structure between the fluid barrier portion and the front wall portion.

[0023] The fluid barrier portion can help prevent unevaporated water from traveling towards the front wall portion and directly entering the steam passage via the end of the steam passage. Thus, the fluid barrier portion can help minimize the risk of unevaporated water leaving the steam chamber via the steam passage.

[0024] Nevertheless, steam in the steam chamber is still permitted to enter the steam passage via the at least one opening arranged along the steam outlet structure between the fluid barrier portion and the front wall portion. However, positioning the opening(s) between the fluid barrier portion and the front wall portion forces unevaporated water to travel towards the front wall portion to move around the fluid barrier portion and thus enter the steam passage via the opening(s). This more tortuous route to the opening(s) can increase the likelihood of unevaporated water being evaporated by the time it reaches the opening(s).

[0025] In some embodiments, the steam outlet structure includes a first lateral portion extending from the front wall portion towards the fluid barrier portion, wherein a first front side region of the steam chamber is defined between the first lateral portion and a first side wall portion of a pair of side wall portions. In other words, the first lateral portion of the steam outlet structure is spaced apart from the first side wall portion that partially defines the steam chamber.

[0026] In such embodiments, at least one opening preferably includes a first side opening for permitting steam to enter the steam passage from the first front side region, wherein the first side opening is defined along the first lateral portion. Thus, the first side opening can permit steam to enter the steam passage from a location along the length of the steam passage rather than at the upstream end of the steam passage.

[0027] In some embodiments, the steam outlet structure includes a second lateral portion extending from the front wall portion towards the fluid barrier portion, wherein a second front side region of the steam chamber is defined between the second lateral portion and a second side wall portion of a pair of side wall portions. In other words, the second lateral portion of the steam outlet structure is spaced apart from the second side wall portion that partially defines the steam chamber.

[0028] In such embodiments, at least one opening preferably includes a second side opening for permitting steam to enter the steam passage from the second front side region, wherein the second side opening is defined in the second lateral portion. Thus, the second side opening can permit steam to enter the steam passage from a location along the length of the steam passage rather than at the upstream end of the steam passage.

[0029] The positioning of the first side opening and the second side opening can help to minimize the risk of unevaporated water traveling towards the front wall portion and directly entering the steam passage. In particular, the positioning of the first side opening and the second side opening can mean that these side opening(s) do not receive or at least only receive a limited amount of water droplets ejected upward from the heated steam treatment surface and water droplets falling from the lid.

[0030] In some embodiments, the steam chamber extends along a central longitudinal axis, wherein the central longitudinal axis extends from the front wall portion to the rear wall portion. For example, the central longitudinal axis bisects the steam treatment surface.

[0031] In such embodiments, one or more of the at least one opening are preferably arranged to receive steam generated in the steam chamber into the steam passage in a direction transverse (e.g., perpendicular) to the central longitudinal axis.

[0032] Accordingly, the opening(s) can be arranged to force the steam and / or unevaporated water to initially deviate from a path along or parallel to the central longitudinal axis so as to enter the steam passage. This redirection of the unevaporated water can help to minimize the risk of unevaporated water entering the steam passage.

[0033] In some embodiments, the steam outlet structure includes a fluid-impermeable bottom portion extending from the front wall portion to the fluid barrier portion, wherein the front bottom region of the steam chamber is defined between the fluid-impermeable bottom portion and the heated steam treatment surface. The fluid-impermeable bottom portion can prevent unevaporated water from entering the steam passage from below the steam outlet structure.

[0034] In a first set of embodiments, the steam outlet structure includes a fluid-impermeable top portion extending from the front wall portion to the fluid barrier portion, wherein the front top region of the steam chamber is defined between the fluid-impermeable top portion and the lid. The fluid-impermeable top portion can prevent unevaporated water, such as unevaporated water adhering to the underside of the lid, from entering the steam passage downward from above the steam outlet structure.

[0035] In a second set of embodiments, the steam outlet structure includes a top portion extending from the front wall portion to the fluid barrier portion, wherein the front top region of the steam chamber is defined between the top portion and the lid, and at least one opening includes a top-side opening for permitting steam to enter the steam passage from the front top region. In the second set of embodiments, the top-side opening is defined in the top portion of the steam outlet structure.

[0036] The positioning of the top-side opening means that the top-side opening does not receive or at least only receives a limited amount of water droplets ejected upward from the heated steam treatment surface.

[0037] In some embodiments, at least one opening includes a top-side opening and one or both of a first side opening and a second side opening.

[0038] In some embodiments, the steam outlet structure extends at an angle from the front wall portion, the angle causing the steam outlet structure to be away from the heated steam treatment surface and to be inclined towards the lid. It has been found that this inclination of the steam outlet structure minimizes the risk of unevaporated water in the steam chamber entering the steam passage.

[0039] For example, the angle of the steam outlet structure can allow the opening(s) to be defined in the portion(s) of the steam outlet structure that are away from the heated steam treatment surface because the steam outlet structure is inclined away from the heated steam treatment surface.

[0040] In an alternative embodiment, the steam outlet structure extends parallel to the heated steam treatment surface.

[0041] In such embodiments, a constant distance may be maintained between the bottom portion, which is fluid-impermeable between the front wall portion and the fluid barrier portion, and the heated steam treatment surface.

[0042] In some embodiments, the steam generator includes a treatment plate having an outer surface for contacting the laundry, wherein the treatment plate defines one or more steam nozzles in fluid communication with the steam channels. Steam may be delivered via the steam nozzle(s), e.g., towards the laundry.

[0043] In some embodiments, the steam outlet structure extends from the treatment plate into the steam chamber. In such embodiments, the heated steam treatment surface preferably protrudes away from the plane of the treatment plate. This may provide a relatively compact arrangement of the steam generator.

[0044] Alternatively or additionally, the treatment plate may be arranged adjacent to the front wall portion. For example, water received via the water inlet at / near the rear wall portion may flow on the heated steam treatment surface towards the front wall portion and the treatment plate arranged adjacent to the front wall portion.

[0045] In some embodiments, the water inlet for delivering water towards the heated steam treatment surface is arranged in the lid and / or near the rear wall portion. Arranging the water inlet at / near the rear wall portion may help to minimize the risk of unevaporated water leaving the steam chamber via the steam channels, as the water needs to travel through the steam chamber from the location where the water is metered at the rear of the steam chamber to the location where the steam channels are located at the front of the steam chamber.

[0046] It should be noted that the steam generator may not include an arrangement of an internal partition wall protruding from the heated steam treatment surface to reach the inner portion of the lid, and a curved fluid path is defined between the water inlet and the opening(s).

[0047] In such embodiments, the steam generator may be considered not to be a labyrinth steam generator.

[0048] The height of the steam chamber preferably increases with the distance from the rear wall portion, wherein at least a portion of the steam outlet structure is arranged at a position where the height of the steam chamber increases. This increased height of the steam chamber may, for example, help to accommodate the above-mentioned inclination of the steam outlet structure away from the heated steam treatment surface and towards the lid.

[0049] The at least one opening may have any suitable size. In some embodiments, one or more of the at least one opening each have an area in the range of [24; 70] mm 2 or [24; 150] mm 2 of the range.

[0050] For example, one or both of the first side opening and the second side opening have an area in the range of [24; 70] mm 2 and the range of the area is [24; 70] mm

[0051] Alternatively or additionally, the top side opening may have an area in the range of [24; 150] mm 2 and the range of the area is [24; 150] mm

[0052] The at least one opening may have any suitable shape. In some embodiments, one or more of the at least one opening each have a circular, rectangular, rounded rectangular, trapezoidal or rounded trapezoidal shape.

[0053] According to another aspect, there is provided a garment steam treatment device comprising a hand unit for moving over a garment, the hand unit comprising a steam generator according to any one of the embodiments described herein.

[0054] In some embodiments, the hand unit includes a water tank and a water delivery system, such as a water delivery system including a pump, for delivering water from the water tank to the steam generator.

[0055] In an alternative embodiment, the garment steam treatment device includes a flexible hose and a base unit including a water tank. The flexible hose is for extending between the base unit and the hand unit such that water can be delivered from the base unit to the steam generator via the flexible hose.

[0056] A detailed explanation of the present invention and other aspects will be given below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0057] Certain aspects of the present invention will now be explained with reference to the embodiments described below and considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the same parts or sub-steps are designated in the same manner:

[0058] Figure 1 A garment steam treatment device according to one example is schematically depicted,

[0059] Figures 2A to 2E A steam generator according to a first example is depicted, and

[0060] Figure 3A and Figure 3B A steam generator according to a second example is depicted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] The present invention relates to a steam generator, which includes a heated steam treatment surface for evaporating water to generate steam; a front wall portion; and a rear wall portion facing the front wall portion, wherein the heated steam treatment surface extends between the front wall portion and the rear wall portion. The steam generator further includes a pair of side wall portions facing each other, and the heated steam treatment surface extends laterally between the pair of side wall portions. A cover is spaced apart from the heated steam treatment surface. The cover, the front wall portion, the rear wall portion, and the pair of side wall portions define a closed steam chamber. The steam outlet structure includes a steam passage protruding from the front wall portion into the steam chamber and arranged to allow steam to leave the steam chamber. The steam outlet structure includes a fluid barrier portion disposed at an end of the steam passage. At least one opening is provided to allow steam in the steam chamber to enter the steam passage. The at least one opening is arranged along the steam outlet structure between the fluid barrier portion and the front wall portion.

[0062] Figure 1 Depicted is a garment steam treatment device 10, which includes a hand unit 12 for moving over a garment being treated using the garment steam treatment device 10. Also refer Figures 2A to 2E to, the hand unit 12 includes a steam generator 100, and the design of the steam generator will be explained in more detail hereinafter.

[0063] The steam generator 100 may also be referred to as a "steam engine".

[0064] The hand unit 12 may also be referred to as a "steam ironing head".

[0065] The term "the hand unit 12 includes the steam generator 100" may mean, for example, that the steam engine is installed in the steam ironing head.

[0066] In some embodiments (not shown in the figures), the hand unit 12 includes a water tank and a water delivery system, such as a pump, for delivering water from the water tank to the steam generator 100. Thus, the steam generator 100 can be regarded as being included in a handheld garment steam treatment device, where the steam generator 100, the water tank, and the water delivery system (such as a pump) are integrated in the handheld garment steam treatment device.

[0067] In an alternative embodiment, such as Figure 1 shown, the garment steam treatment device 10 includes a flexible hose 14 and a base unit 16 including a water tank. The flexible hose 14 can deliver water from the base unit 16 to the steam generator 100.

[0068] Figure 1The illustrated garment steam treatment device 10 can be regarded as a vertical steam iron. In some embodiments (not shown), the garment steam treatment device 10 includes an ironing board, such as a tiltable ironing board, which can be tilted between a vertical orientation for upright steam treatment and a horizontal direction for ironing.

[0069] As Figure 2A and Figure 2E Best shown, the steam generator 100 includes a heated steam treatment surface 102 for evaporating water to generate steam. The heated steam treatment surface 102 can be heated in any suitable manner. For example, a heating element 103 is disposed below the heated steam treatment surface 102 and is in thermal communication with the heated steam treatment surface 102.

[0070] In some embodiments, such as Figures 2A to 2E shown, the heating element 103 is a tubular heating element 103, such as a tubular heating element 103 having a nested double-ring shape.

[0071] Such a nested double-ring shaped heating element 103 can help provide relatively uniform heating across the area of the heated steam treatment surface 102.

[0072] The steam generator 100 preferably includes a pattern of spaced-apart protrusions 105 protruding from the heated steam treatment surface 102.

[0073] Such protrusions 105 can help the unevaporated water to spread on the heated steam treatment surface 102, and / or can help control the speed at which the water moves on the heated steam treatment surface 102. The protrusions 105 can have any suitable shape, such as conical, frustoconical, pyramidal and / or frustopyramidal.

[0074] More generally, the steam generator 100 includes a front wall portion 104 and a rear wall portion 106 facing the front wall portion 104. The heated steam treatment surface 102 extends between the front wall portion 104 and the rear wall portion 106, for example, longitudinally.

[0075] In some embodiments, such as Figures 2A to 2E shown, the heated steam treatment surface 102 is an elongated heated steam treatment surface 102, the length of which extends between the front wall portion 104 and the rear wall portion 106.

[0076] Figure 2E A central longitudinal axis LA extending between the front wall portion 104 and the rear wall portion 106 is shown. For example, the central longitudinal axis LA bisects the steam treatment surface 102.

[0077] The steam generator 100 includes a pair of side wall portions 108, 110 facing each other, wherein the heated steam treatment surface 104 extends transversely between the pair of side wall portions 108, 110.

[0078] In an embodiment where the length of the elongated heated steam treatment surface 102 extends between the front wall portion 104 and the rear wall portion 106, the width of the elongated steam treatment surface 102 extends between the pair of side wall portions 108, 110. The width is shorter than the length of the elongated steam treatment surface 102.

[0079] As Figures 2A to 2D shown, the steam generator 100 has a lid 112 spaced apart from the heated steam treatment surface 102. The lid 112, the front wall portion 104, the rear wall portion 106, and the pair of side wall portions 108, 110 define a closed steam chamber 114.

[0080] The base of the steam generator 100 including the steam treatment surface 102, and the lid 112, the front wall portion 104, the rear wall portion 106, and the pair of side wall portions 108, 110 can be formed of any suitable material capable of withstanding the conditions inside the steam chamber 114. Preferably, the base, the lid 112, the front wall portion 104, the rear wall portion 106, and the pair of side wall portions 108, 110 are all formed of a metallic material such as aluminum.

[0081] Seals, such as rubber gaskets and / or sealants, can be provided between the lid 112 and the wall portion(s) 104, 106, 108, 110 supporting the lid 112 to hermetically enclose the steam chamber 114.

[0082] Water can be delivered into the steam chamber 114 in any suitable manner. For example, a water inlet 115 for delivering water towards the heated steam treatment surface 102 is arranged in the lid 112 and / or near the rear wall portion 106.

[0083] In some embodiments, and with reference to Figures 2B to 2D , water is delivered into the steam chamber 114 via a connector element 117 provided, for example, on a connector element 117 mounted on the lid 112. For example, the connector element 117 cooperates with the water inlet 115 such that water can be delivered into the steam chamber 114 via the connector element 117 and the water inlet 115.

[0084] The connector element 117 can have any suitable design. In some embodiments, the connector element 117 includes a tube connector for connecting to a water pipe, such as a water pipe for delivering water from a water tank to the steam generator 100.

[0085] The steam outlet structure 116 projects from the front wall portion 104 into the steam chamber 114. As Figures 2B to 2DAs shown, a steam passage 118 is defined within a steam outlet structure 116. The steam passage 118 permits steam to leave the steam chamber 114.

[0086] It should be noted that disposing the water inlet 115 at or near the rear wall portion 106 can help minimize the risk of unevaporated water leaving the steam chamber 114 via the steam passage 118, because the water needs to travel through the steam chamber 114 from the location where the water is metered at the rear of the steam chamber 114 to the location where the steam passage 118 is located at the front of the steam chamber 114.

[0087] In addition, the steam outlet structure 116 includes a fluid barrier portion 120 disposed at an end (in other words, the upstream end) of the steam passage 118. The fluid barrier portion 120 can be regarded as covering, for example, the end of the steam passage 118.

[0088] The fluid barrier portion 120 can help prevent unevaporated water traveling towards the front wall portion 104 from directly entering the steam passage 118 via the upstream end of the steam passage 118. Thus, the fluid barrier portion 120 can help minimize the risk of unevaporated water leaving the steam chamber 114 via the steam passage 118.

[0089] Nevertheless, steam in the steam chamber 114 is still permitted to enter the steam passage 118 via at least one opening 122A, 122B, which is disposed along the steam outlet structure 116 between the fluid barrier portion 120 and the front wall portion 104. However, positioning the opening(s) 122A, 122B between the fluid barrier portion 120 and the front wall portion 104 can force unevaporated water to travel towards the front wall portion 104 to move around the fluid barrier portion 120 and thus enter the steam passage 118 via the opening(s) 122A, 122B. This more tortuous route for the unevaporated water to reach the opening(s) 122A, 122B can increase the likelihood that the unevaporated water is evaporated when it reaches the opening(s) 122A, 122B.

[0090] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2E As shown, one or more of the at least one opening 122A, 122B is arranged to receive steam generated in the steam chamber 114 into the steam passage 118 in a direction transverse (e.g., perpendicular) to the central longitudinal axis LA. Thus, the opening(s) 122A, 122B can be arranged to force the steam and / or unevaporated water to deviate from a path along or parallel to the central longitudinal axis LA in order to enter the steam passage 118. This reorientation of the unevaporated water can help minimize the risk of unevaporated water entering the steam passage 118.

[0091] In some embodiments, such asFigure 2E As best shown, the steam outlet structure 116 includes a first lateral portion 121A extending from the front wall portion 104 toward the fluid barrier portion 120, wherein a first front side region 123A of the steam chamber 114 is defined between the first lateral portion 121A and the first side wall portion 108 of the pair of side wall portions 108, 110. In other words, the first lateral portion 121A of the steam outlet structure 116 is spaced apart from the first side wall portion 108 that partially defines the steam chamber 114.

[0092] In such embodiments, at least one of the openings 122A, 122B preferably includes a first side opening 122A for permitting steam to enter the steam passage 118 from the first front side region 123A, wherein the first side opening 122A is defined along the first lateral portion 121A. Thus, the first side opening 122A can permit steam to enter the steam passage 118 from a location along the length of the steam passage 118, rather than at the upstream end of the steam passage 118.

[0093] In other words, the first side opening 122A can face the first side wall portion 108.

[0094] In some embodiments, and continuing to refer Figure 2E to, the steam outlet structure 116 includes a second lateral portion 121B extending from the front wall portion 104 toward the fluid barrier portion 120, wherein a second front side region 123B of the steam chamber 114 is defined between the second lateral portion 121B and the second side wall portion 110 of the pair of side wall portions 108, 110. In other words, the second lateral portion 121B of the steam outlet structure 116 is spaced apart from the second side wall portion 110 that partially defines the steam chamber 114.

[0095] In such embodiments, at least one of the openings 122A, 122B preferably includes a second side opening 122B, for example in addition to the above-described first side opening 122A, for permitting steam to enter the steam passage 118 from the second front side region 123B, wherein the second side opening 122B is defined along the second lateral portion 121B. Thus, the second side opening 122B can permit steam to enter the steam passage 118 from a location along the length of the steam passage 118, rather than at the upstream end of the steam passage 118.

[0096] In other words, the second side opening 122B can face the second side wall portion 108.

[0097] For example, the perimeter of each of the opening(s) 122A, 122B forms a planar surface, the normal / perpendicular of which defines the direction of fluid flow through the respective opening 122A, 122B.

[0098] For example, a flat surface formed by the periphery of the first side opening 122A faces the first side wall portion 108.

[0099] Alternatively or additionally, a flat surface formed by the periphery of the second side opening 122B may face the second side wall portion 110.

[0100] The positioning of the first side opening 122A and the second side opening 122B can help to minimize the risk that unevaporated water travels towards the front wall portion 104 and directly enters the steam channel 118. In particular, the positioning of the first side opening 122A and the second side opening 122B can mean that these side openings 122A, 122B do not receive or at least only receive a limited amount of water droplets WD ejected upward from the heated steam treatment surface 102 and water droplets WD falling downward from the lid 112.

[0101] Figure 2B Schematically, the opportunity for the water droplets WD to enter the side opening(s) 122A, 122B of the steam outlet structure 116 is small because a change in the flow direction is required due to the inclusion of the fluid barrier portion 120, rather than the opening at the upstream end of the steam channel 118 extending perpendicular to the flow direction.

[0102] Figure 2C Schematically depicts the direction change required for the water droplets WD to enter the steam channel 118 via the side opening(s) 122A, 122B. Water droplets WD of higher quality may be less likely to change direction and flow into the side opening(s) 122A, 122B.

[0103] Figure 2D Schematically illustrates that the opportunity for the water droplets WD on the lid 112 to enter the steam channel 118 via the side opening(s) 122A, 122B is small.

[0104] In at least some embodiments, and as Figures 2B to 2D shown, the steam outlet structure 116 includes a fluid-impermeable bottom portion 124 extending from the front wall portion 104 to the fluid barrier portion 120, wherein the front bottom region 125 of the steam chamber 114 is defined between the fluid-impermeable bottom portion 124 and the heated steam treatment surface 102. The fluid-impermeable bottom portion 124 can prevent unevaporated water from entering the steam channel 118 from below the steam outlet structure 116.

[0105] In some embodiments, such as Figures 2B to 2DAs best shown, the steam outlet structure 116 extends at an angle from the front wall portion 104, the angle causing the steam outlet structure 116 to be away from the heated steam treatment surface 102 and to be inclined toward the lid 112. It has been found that this inclination of the steam outlet structure 116 minimizes the risk of unevaporated water in the steam chamber 114 entering the steam passage 118.

[0106] For example, the angle of the steam outlet structure 116 can allow the opening(s) 122A, 122B to be defined in the portion(s) of the steam outlet structure 116 that are away from the heated steam treatment surface 102, because the steam outlet structure 116 is inclined away from the heated steam treatment surface 102.

[0107] In an alternative embodiment (not shown in the figures), the steam outlet structure 116 extends parallel to the heated steam treatment surface 102. In such an embodiment, a constant distance can be maintained between the fluid-impermeable bottom portion 124 and the heated steam treatment surface 102 between the front wall portion 104 and the fluid barrier portion 120.

[0108] In a first group of embodiments, such as Figures 2A to 2E shown, the steam outlet structure 116 includes a fluid-impermeable top portion 126 that extends from the front wall portion 104 to the fluid barrier portion 120, wherein the front top region 127 of the steam chamber 114 is defined between the fluid-impermeable top portion 126 and the lid 112. The fluid-impermeable top portion 126 can prevent unevaporated water, such as unevaporated water adhering to the underside of the lid 112, from entering the steam passage 118 downward from above the steam outlet structure 116.

[0109] In a second group of embodiments, such as Figure 3A and Figure 3B shown, the steam outlet structure 116 includes a top portion 126A that extends from the front wall portion 104 to the fluid barrier portion 120, wherein the front top region 127A of the steam chamber 114 is defined between the top portion 126A and the lid 112, and at least one of the openings 122A, 122B, 122C includes a top-side opening 122C for allowing steam to enter the steam passage 118 from the front top region 127A. In this second group of embodiments, the top-side opening 122C is defined in the top portion 126A of the steam outlet structure 116.

[0110] The positioning of the top-side opening 122C can mean that the top-side opening 122C does not receive or at least only receives a limited amount of water droplets ejected upward from the heated steam treatment surface 102.

[0111] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3A and Figure 3BAs shown, at least one of the openings 122A, 122B, 122C includes a top-side opening 122C and one or both of a first side opening 122A and a second side opening 122B.

[0112] It should be noted that at least one of the openings 122A, 122B, 122C can have any suitable size. In some embodiments, one or more of the openings 122A, 122B, 122C each have an area in the range of [24; 70] mm 2 or [24; 150] mm 2 in area.

[0113] For example, one or both of the first side opening 122A and the second side opening 122B have an area in the range of [24; 70] mm 2 in area.

[0114] Alternatively or additionally, the top-side opening 122C can have an area in the range of [24; 150] mm 2 in area.

[0115] At least one of the openings 122A, 122B, 122C can have any suitable shape. In some embodiments, one or more of the openings 122A, 122B, 122C each have a circular, rectangular, rounded-rectangular, trapezoidal, or rounded-trapezoidal shape.

[0116] In at least some embodiments, such as Figures 1 to 3B shown, the garment steam treatment device 10 and / or the steam generator 100 includes a treatment plate 130 having an outer surface 132 for contacting the garment, wherein the treatment plate 130 defines one or more steam nozzles 134 for releasing steam. In such embodiments, the one or more steam nozzles 134 are in fluid communication with a steam passage 118 to enable the steam generated in the steam chamber 114 to reach the garment being treated.

[0117] The steam outlet structure 116 preferably extends from the treatment plate 130 into the steam chamber 114, such as Figures 2A to 2D and Figure 3A shown. In such embodiments, the heated steam treatment surface 102 preferably protrudes away from the plane of the treatment plate 130. This can provide a relatively compact arrangement of the steam generator 100.

[0118] Alternatively or additionally, the treatment plate 130 can be arranged adjacent to the front wall portion 104. For example, water received via the water inlet 115 at / near the rear wall portion 106 can flow on the heated steam treatment surface 102 towards the front wall portion 104 and the treatment plate 130 arranged adjacent to the front wall portion 104.

[0119] In some embodiments, such as Figures 2B to 3A as best shown, the height of the steam chamber 114 increases as the distance from the rear wall portion 106 increases, wherein at least a portion of the steam outlet structure 116 is disposed at a location where the height of the steam chamber 114 increases. Such an increased height of the steam chamber 114 can, for example, help to accommodate the above-described inclination of the steam outlet structure 116 away from the heated steam treatment surface 102 and toward the lid 112.

[0120] In such embodiments, the lid 112 can include a higher portion 136 that is raised relative to other portions of the lid 112 to help or provide the increased height of the steam chamber 114.

[0121] It should be noted that the steam generator 100 may not include an arrangement of an internal partition wall that projects from the heated steam treatment surface 102 to reach the lid 112, and a curved fluid path is defined between the water inlet 115 and the opening(s) 122A, 122B.

[0122] In such embodiments, the steam generator 100 can be considered not to be a labyrinth steam generator.

[0123] The above embodiments are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the technical methods of the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that the technical methods of the present invention can be modified or equivalently replaced without departing from the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention. In particular, although the present invention is described based on a clothing steam treatment device, it can be applied to any household appliance incorporating steam generation functionality. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A steam generator (100), comprising: A heated steam treatment surface (102) for evaporating water to generate steam, A front wall portion (104), A rear wall portion (106) facing the front wall portion, the heated steam treatment surface extending between the front wall portion and the rear wall portion, A pair of side wall portions (108, 110) facing each other, the heated steam treatment surface extending transversely between the pair of side wall portions, A cover (112) spaced apart from the heated steam treatment surface, The cover, the front wall portion, the rear wall portion and the pair of side wall portions define an enclosed steam chamber (114), A steam outlet structure (116) including a steam passage (118) protruding from the front wall portion into the steam chamber and arranged to allow steam to leave the steam chamber, the steam outlet structure including a fluid barrier portion (120) arranged at an end of the steam passage, and At least one opening (122A, 122B, 122C) for allowing steam in the steam chamber to enter the steam passage, the at least one opening being arranged along the steam outlet structure between the fluid barrier portion and the front wall portion, Characterized in that the steam chamber (114) extends along a central longitudinal axis (LA) extending from the front wall portion (104) to the rear wall portion (106), and one or more of the at least one opening (122A, 122B) are arranged to receive steam generated in the steam chamber into the steam passage (118) in a direction transverse to the central longitudinal axis.

2. The steam generator (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The steam outlet structure (116) includes a first lateral portion (121A) extending from the front wall portion (104) towards the fluid barrier portion (120), A first front side region (123A) of the steam chamber (114) is defined between the first lateral portion and the first side wall portion (108) of the pair of side wall portions (108, 110), and The at least one opening (122A, 122B, 122C) includes a first side opening (122A) for allowing steam to enter the steam passage (118) from the first front side region, the first side opening being defined along the first lateral portion.

3. The steam generator (100) according to claim 2, wherein: The steam outlet structure (116) includes a second lateral portion (121B) extending from the front wall portion (104) towards the fluid barrier portion (120), A second front side region (123B) of the steam chamber (114) is defined between the second lateral portion and the second side wall portion (110) of the pair of side wall portions (108, 110), and The at least one opening (122A, 122B, 122C) includes a second side opening (122B) for permitting steam to enter the steam passage (118) from the second front side region, the second side opening being defined along the second lateral portion.

4. The steam generator (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The steam outlet structure (116) includes a fluid-impermeable bottom portion (124) extending from the front wall portion (104) to the fluid barrier portion (120), and A front bottom region (125) of the steam chamber (114) is defined between the fluid-impermeable bottom portion and the heated steam treatment surface (102).

5. The steam generator (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The steam outlet structure (116) includes a fluid-impermeable top portion (126) extending from the front wall portion (104) to the fluid barrier portion (120), and A front top region (127) of the steam chamber (114) is defined between the fluid-impermeable top portion and the cover (112).

6. The steam generator (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The steam outlet structure (116) includes a top portion (126A) extending from the front wall portion (104) to the fluid barrier portion (120), A front top region (127A) of the steam chamber (114) is defined between the top portion and the cover (112), and The at least one opening (122A, 122B, 122C) includes a top side opening (122C) for permitting steam to enter the steam passage (118) from the front top region, the top side opening being defined in the top portion.

7. The steam generator (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the steam outlet structure (116) extends at an angle from the front wall portion (104), the angle causing the steam outlet structure to be inclined away from the heated steam treatment surface (102) and towards the cover (112).

8. The steam generator (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the steam generator including a treatment plate (130) having an outer surface (132) for contacting clothing, the treatment plate defining one or more steam nozzles (134) for releasing steam, the one or more steam nozzles being in fluid communication with the steam passage (118).

9. The steam generator (100) according to claim 8, wherein the steam outlet structure (116) extends from the treatment plate (130) into the steam chamber (114).

10. The steam generator (100) according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the treatment plate (130) is arranged adjacent to the front wall portion (104).

11. The steam generator (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the water inlet (115) for delivering water towards the heated steam treatment surface (102) is arranged in the lid (112) and / or near the rear wall portion (106).

12. The steam generator (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the height of the steam chamber (114) increases as the distance from the rear wall portion (106) increases, and at least a part of the steam outlet structure (116) is arranged at a position where the height of the steam chamber increases.

13. The steam generator (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein: One or more of the at least one opening (122A, 122B, 122C) each has an area in the range of [24; 70] mm 2 or [24; 150] mm 2 ; and / or One or more of the at least one opening each has a circular, rectangular, rounded rectangular, trapezoidal or rounded trapezoidal shape.

14. A garment steam treatment device (10), comprising a hand unit (12) for moving over a garment, the hand unit comprising a steam generator (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13; optionally, wherein the hand unit comprises a water tank and a water delivery system for delivering water from the water tank to the steam generator.

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